328 M. Miiller on the Development of Chara. 



them the further development of starch ceases, in the Chares it is 

 converted into chlorophylle. Hence the above papillae, for in- 

 stance — in which this is very readily and beautifully observed — 

 become at first deep blue, and subsequently brownish when treated 

 with iodine. Thus the ready conversion in Nitella of the inter- 

 nodial cells into new plants is explained ; and they have been di- 

 stinguished as gemmse, although they are not true buds, upon 

 which the organs are situated, but rather mere formative cells. 

 The step to the new formation of cells is certainly not great ; if 

 cytoblastema is formed from starch, then the power exists of 

 forming cytoblasts and consequently new cells. We have not far 

 to seek for its analogues, when we recollect the fermentation-cells. 

 Wherever formative matter is present, there cells may form ; and 

 as many are formed from them as correspond to the matter depo- 

 sited in them. 



From what has been stated it appears to me to follow, that we 

 must still separate Chara and Nitella ; for the latter constantly 

 forming simple stems only, proves that the power of rapid growth 

 must be inherent to them as a principle ; and although on the other 

 hand the Chara may exhibit the same phsenomenon, it is only a 

 deviation from their natural condition*. • 



As regards several accidental cells in the Charse, for instance, 

 the above papillae, as also those which are developed beneath and 

 above the internodes but still upon their cells, their formation in- 

 variably occurs by intercalary growth as stated above, or by the 

 simple elongation of cells which are already formed. All the 

 axillary branches are likewise formed by interrupted growth. 

 The above-mentioned papillae frequently or always fall off subse- 

 quently, for instance, in Chara crinita, leaving round brown spots 

 at the points to which they were attached. They appear unsus- 

 ceptible of further development. It is moreover remarkable, that 

 frequently three cells are formed from a single articulation at the 

 internodes. This great power of increase of the plant explains 

 how the internodes are frequently surrounded with one or more 

 whorls of cells (those below them assuming a descending direction, 

 as they are prevented from ascending by the branches, those above 

 an ascending direction). 



The last phsenomenon which requires notice is the formation of 

 new cells at the apex of the branches. It appears to me in this 

 case that the new cells are formed by subdivision. The first com- 

 mencement of this process appears as a dark line surrounding 

 the circumference of the cell. The secondary membrane then 

 becomes constricted. [We saw above that the very apex of the 



* Kiitzing (I. c. p. 319) has formed a third group " Charopsis " of Chara 

 Braunii, scoparia and barbata. 



